ASO Celebrates Sibelius Legacy with Symphony Cycle

Fans of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius are in for a treat this September when the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents the complete cycle of Jean Sibelius’s seven symphonies across three landmark concerts at Adelaide Town Hall on Saturday 12, Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 September.

This special concert series is led by Olivier Award-winning Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, who will bring all seven symphonies to life alongside the ASO.

Wigglesworth said that the Sibelius cycle is an ambitious artistic journey for the orchestra and a deeply rewarding one for audiences.

"The benefits of immersing yourself in the complete symphonies of any composer are huge," Wigglesworth says. "It’s fascinating to hear the whole journey they went through. Nobody really knows what Sibelius was like, we only have his music to sense the life that he lived.

"To hear all seven symphonies performed live by the ASO is an incredibly rare and unique orchestral event."

Tickets for Sibelius: The Symphonies are on sale now at aso.com.au.

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ASO violinist Lachlan Bramble, who was part of the ASO that recorded and released the complete Sibelius Symphony Cycle in 2007, says it's a thrill to present the full symphony cycle as part of the ASO's 90th anniversary season.

"Sibelius's symphonies are a unique and wonderful sound world. As an orchestra, we have such a deep connection to Sibelius, and it’s fitting to revisit this history as part of our 90th year," Bramble explains.

"Performing a symphony cycle will be physically challenging but hugely rewarding for the musicians and audiences alike."

The Sibelius Symphony Cycle is part of the ASO’s popular Immersion concert series, which pays homage to the greatest composers of all time.

Experience Sibelius: The Symphonies at Adelaide Town Hall on Saturday 12, Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 September. Tickets on sale at aso.com.au.